EU-Cuba relations move in right direction

The process of completing the normalisation of relations between the European Union (EU) and Cuba has made important progress.

The EU has agreed to withdraw its policy from 1996 and decided to formally sign an agreement to normalise relations with Cuba - (Credit: Reuters)

On December 6, the EU agreed to withdraw its policy from 1996, which included human rights conditions, and decided to formally sign an agreement to normalise relations with Cuba on December 12.

Noting the good news mentioned above, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini declared that with this new agreement, the EU was ready to support Cuba’s socioeconomic modernisation.

The EU fully cancelled its “Common Position,” which was devised in 1996, which Havana strongly opposed for intervening in its internal affairs, discriminating against Cuba and treating the country unjustly.

The move has been met with praise by the international community, which considers it a step in the right direction towards normalising relations with the island country.

The above decision by the EU will help bring about an equitable and respectful legal framework, thereby bringing about mutual benefits for the bilateral relationship, while promoting political dialogue and cooperation and enhancing trade exchanges between the EU and the Caribbean nation.

Welcoming the EU’s decision, the international community once again called on the US authorities to lift the unjust embargo they have imposed on Cuba for over half a century soon.

At the same time, it is necessary to further accelerate the roadmap for the normalisation of US-Cuba relations, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and around the world.